Friday, January 7, 2011
Edits
For some reason blogspot chains to words that make no sense as it is posting. Editing is not working on the iPad, but I will review and edit when I get to a computer. All is well. Sweet dreams.
Old
OLD....Wow, there is a word for you. We saw a lot that was old today. I am not talking about USA old.....I mean REALLY OLD...ANCIENT OLD!
We had an early start today, leaving the hotel ORTO DI MEDICI right after a hearty breakfast. SOME people learned NOT to trust That Italian wake up calls will be ON TIME. I know some guys who can dress and pack in three minutes flat......Teamwork got us across the cobblestones, out of the way of hurried Italian drivers and on the bus to start our day. The day was misty but not rainy.
The only time Italians hurry is when they are driving their car or Vespa.
It really was sad to leave Florence. It is beautiful, steeped in history, and really deserves a return visit. It would have been nice to have had a day for the Uffizi....galleries in the Medici palaces....
We enjoyed the ride through Tuscany....the region of Itsly that we are in. Th viNEYards are dormant this rme of year, bot you can see the strong root stock of the plants. STRONG ROOT STOCK....Strong foundation. THIS IS WHAT WE aRE GROWING IN our young people as well.
By lunch time we weed in Lucca. Lucca is a walled city and we saw the contrast between living in Lucca and in Florence, which is a much busier place. The kids enjoyed photography and we were thankful for the wall, because they labyrinth of street kept us confused. The streets still follow the plan from the Roman colony from 180 BC. I did mention OLD didn't I?
You will eventually see photos of our excursions and all of the a amazing cathedrals and churches....but I need a computer for that. Keep checking back.
We all had interesting lunch stories. The little shops only hold a dozen (or fewer) people so we scattered for lunch. Hardly anyone speaks English..oh thank goodness for the iPhones with language translators. Italians CAN read their language and a find the technology fun. It is actually fun to try to communicate. I do not know why we are so hesitant to try to speak. I love that the food is specially prepared when you order. everything is so fresh.
When the kids saw the city, they decided to skip the biking and preferred to a walk around and explore the town. given the misty day and a puddles, it was probably a wise decision.
and...back to the bus.....and off to San Gimignano.....I loved this town. Of the original 70 plus towers, 13 are still standing. This town was built in the 12 th and 13th centuries. Ancient but still standing.....that is what we all want to do, isn't it? We want something about us to endure. A couple of bouts of the bubonic plague over the centuries wiped out the population but this little town is still a jewel. the cathedral is now a church because it has no Bishop, but the craftsmanship...photos will not do it justice.
COOP.....co-op....actually this was the a coolest grocery store. Water bottles were 60 euro cents as opposed to 2,60 or two euro dollars and 60 euro cents. Ah, Disney prices. At least we understand that! The toilettes are also fun. You pay. Yes 50 cents....and there are two flushers and sometimes you have to hunt for them. And the sink water turns on and off by stepping on a button on the floor. Fun. My favorite sign /message for the day
.....courteous people leave the toilette area neat and tidy........
I guess only a mom would appreciate that one. Italians leave messages all over the place!
and a short trip over to Siena......inching ever close to Rome. Siena is another walled city with an ancient amphitheater and an incredible cathedral. I guess what amazes us the most is that these magnificent structures, these works of art and architecture, are Not used for their intended purpose and are now only monuments to older days. It is really sad. Our lesson oaf course is if religion is only a routine, this is where you are headed. ...cold, stale, empty, alone. How thankful we are that we have a relationship with Christ....living, growing, and fulfilling.
We walked at least three miles to dinner...if not more. Picture cobblestones, hilly streets, lots and lots of stones...big ones....again...photos will eventually follow, including our group shot in front of the walled city.
so it is time to turn in. I have discovered that my iPad is trying to be Italian and guessing what I want to say....some words automatically change to italian-ish. Do the best you can...I will read it on the big screen soon.
Tomorrow...
The road leads to Rome.
The catacombs of San Callisto, north of Rome will be our first stop. Mr. Darnell is SO excited...I guess he is anxious to visit those early Popes. These are the most prestigious catacombs, after all.
Orvieto is our final walled city before we reach the hustle and Bustle if Rome. Orvieto is surrounded by vineyards and has a 14th century church as well as a Duomo. It should be exciting. Don't be surprised if you get a gift of olive oil, freshly pressed from the nearby groves.
I guess that if yoau ever felt old..you might feel less so after the ancient adventures of the day. May we wall grow ald with grace and with God's love ever flowing through us
A
We had an early start today, leaving the hotel ORTO DI MEDICI right after a hearty breakfast. SOME people learned NOT to trust That Italian wake up calls will be ON TIME. I know some guys who can dress and pack in three minutes flat......Teamwork got us across the cobblestones, out of the way of hurried Italian drivers and on the bus to start our day. The day was misty but not rainy.
The only time Italians hurry is when they are driving their car or Vespa.
It really was sad to leave Florence. It is beautiful, steeped in history, and really deserves a return visit. It would have been nice to have had a day for the Uffizi....galleries in the Medici palaces....
We enjoyed the ride through Tuscany....the region of Itsly that we are in. Th viNEYards are dormant this rme of year, bot you can see the strong root stock of the plants. STRONG ROOT STOCK....Strong foundation. THIS IS WHAT WE aRE GROWING IN our young people as well.
By lunch time we weed in Lucca. Lucca is a walled city and we saw the contrast between living in Lucca and in Florence, which is a much busier place. The kids enjoyed photography and we were thankful for the wall, because they labyrinth of street kept us confused. The streets still follow the plan from the Roman colony from 180 BC. I did mention OLD didn't I?
You will eventually see photos of our excursions and all of the a amazing cathedrals and churches....but I need a computer for that. Keep checking back.
We all had interesting lunch stories. The little shops only hold a dozen (or fewer) people so we scattered for lunch. Hardly anyone speaks English..oh thank goodness for the iPhones with language translators. Italians CAN read their language and a find the technology fun. It is actually fun to try to communicate. I do not know why we are so hesitant to try to speak. I love that the food is specially prepared when you order. everything is so fresh.
When the kids saw the city, they decided to skip the biking and preferred to a walk around and explore the town. given the misty day and a puddles, it was probably a wise decision.
and...back to the bus.....and off to San Gimignano.....I loved this town. Of the original 70 plus towers, 13 are still standing. This town was built in the 12 th and 13th centuries. Ancient but still standing.....that is what we all want to do, isn't it? We want something about us to endure. A couple of bouts of the bubonic plague over the centuries wiped out the population but this little town is still a jewel. the cathedral is now a church because it has no Bishop, but the craftsmanship...photos will not do it justice.
COOP.....co-op....actually this was the a coolest grocery store. Water bottles were 60 euro cents as opposed to 2,60 or two euro dollars and 60 euro cents. Ah, Disney prices. At least we understand that! The toilettes are also fun. You pay. Yes 50 cents....and there are two flushers and sometimes you have to hunt for them. And the sink water turns on and off by stepping on a button on the floor. Fun. My favorite sign /message for the day
.....courteous people leave the toilette area neat and tidy........
I guess only a mom would appreciate that one. Italians leave messages all over the place!
and a short trip over to Siena......inching ever close to Rome. Siena is another walled city with an ancient amphitheater and an incredible cathedral. I guess what amazes us the most is that these magnificent structures, these works of art and architecture, are Not used for their intended purpose and are now only monuments to older days. It is really sad. Our lesson oaf course is if religion is only a routine, this is where you are headed. ...cold, stale, empty, alone. How thankful we are that we have a relationship with Christ....living, growing, and fulfilling.
We walked at least three miles to dinner...if not more. Picture cobblestones, hilly streets, lots and lots of stones...big ones....again...photos will eventually follow, including our group shot in front of the walled city.
so it is time to turn in. I have discovered that my iPad is trying to be Italian and guessing what I want to say....some words automatically change to italian-ish. Do the best you can...I will read it on the big screen soon.
Tomorrow...
The road leads to Rome.
The catacombs of San Callisto, north of Rome will be our first stop. Mr. Darnell is SO excited...I guess he is anxious to visit those early Popes. These are the most prestigious catacombs, after all.
Orvieto is our final walled city before we reach the hustle and Bustle if Rome. Orvieto is surrounded by vineyards and has a 14th century church as well as a Duomo. It should be exciting. Don't be surprised if you get a gift of olive oil, freshly pressed from the nearby groves.
I guess that if yoau ever felt old..you might feel less so after the ancient adventures of the day. May we wall grow ald with grace and with God's love ever flowing through us
A
Back online
Google did something. Posts should be back up one. Off to biking in the hill towns today. Siena tonight. Blessings.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Firenze
So, it is cold. It is not as cold as London was last year, bot it is cold. I think we Floridians are so weak sometimes. I think this when I see Florentines sitting at outdoor cares without a mere shiver.
Yogurt with granola...not the sweet American kind. Croissants...hearty, not sweet and buttery. Cereal,fruit,muffins, cheeses.....these make up a typical hearty Florentine breakfast. we had breakfast overlooking the garden where young Michelangelo once practiced sculpting.
Our morning walk began with a trip to the Duomo.....the grand church in Florence. The building and it's baptistry building rise up from the square...the piazza. The kids commented that it seemed like a giant movie set. In green and white marble, it was a fitting comment. We saw Cardinals arriving for their morning mass. speakers were set so the crowd could participate.
We enjoyed the life sized full nativity and special guest choirs.
The weather was misty, rainy and gypsies appeared from nowhere to sell umbrellas. The guys were great lookouts and protected the rest of us from having pockets picked!
We learned how to use our card to get into the bank and access fund via an ATM wand understood exchange rates better afterward.
The San Lorenz leather market was fun and bartering a was a game. And of course, some made great deals!
We had an amazing lunch in an authentic restaurant and visited the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's DAVID. Speechless is a good word for the experience. The special exhibit on Renaissance musical instruments was quite interesting as well. We saw some timpani that Miss Wick would not want.
It grew colder as we walked to the Ponte Vecchio bridge crossing the Arno River. Some of our students are remarkable Photographers!
In learning about the Medici's we also learned that you can leave something wonderful for mankind, yet not be so "swell" yourself and that Christ is what makes the difference
FIRENZE (Florence, in Italian).....one of the great cities that contributed to life as We know it today. May we remember our time here and strive to learn more.
Yogurt with granola...not the sweet American kind. Croissants...hearty, not sweet and buttery. Cereal,fruit,muffins, cheeses.....these make up a typical hearty Florentine breakfast. we had breakfast overlooking the garden where young Michelangelo once practiced sculpting.
Our morning walk began with a trip to the Duomo.....the grand church in Florence. The building and it's baptistry building rise up from the square...the piazza. The kids commented that it seemed like a giant movie set. In green and white marble, it was a fitting comment. We saw Cardinals arriving for their morning mass. speakers were set so the crowd could participate.
We enjoyed the life sized full nativity and special guest choirs.
The weather was misty, rainy and gypsies appeared from nowhere to sell umbrellas. The guys were great lookouts and protected the rest of us from having pockets picked!
We learned how to use our card to get into the bank and access fund via an ATM wand understood exchange rates better afterward.
The San Lorenz leather market was fun and bartering a was a game. And of course, some made great deals!
We had an amazing lunch in an authentic restaurant and visited the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's DAVID. Speechless is a good word for the experience. The special exhibit on Renaissance musical instruments was quite interesting as well. We saw some timpani that Miss Wick would not want.
It grew colder as we walked to the Ponte Vecchio bridge crossing the Arno River. Some of our students are remarkable Photographers!
In learning about the Medici's we also learned that you can leave something wonderful for mankind, yet not be so "swell" yourself and that Christ is what makes the difference
FIRENZE (Florence, in Italian).....one of the great cities that contributed to life as We know it today. May we remember our time here and strive to learn more.
Creative problem solving
This post will be short, but for those who know me,you will see answers to your prayers on my behalf....and find humor too.
Frankfurt airport. I raved about TSA too soon. Last night when I desperately needed sleep, I found that TSA had damaged the seal on my CPAP machine. My precious roomie needed earplugs for sure! MI decided not to fret but to just trust God for a resolution...and good sleep on my part, for Becky's sake.
While packing tonight I discovered an item I love dearly and never travel without......DUCT TAPE. I think that Duct Tape provides creative solutions for almost anything. Air leak is now sealed up and we are so happy!
yes, I know you are laughing! (with me)
Frankfurt airport. I raved about TSA too soon. Last night when I desperately needed sleep, I found that TSA had damaged the seal on my CPAP machine. My precious roomie needed earplugs for sure! MI decided not to fret but to just trust God for a resolution...and good sleep on my part, for Becky's sake.
While packing tonight I discovered an item I love dearly and never travel without......DUCT TAPE. I think that Duct Tape provides creative solutions for almost anything. Air leak is now sealed up and we are so happy!
yes, I know you are laughing! (with me)
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Time
Time.....now there is an interesting concept. Time wasted. Time enjoyed. Time invested. So much depends upon your perspective. We started off our day very early. OUR day, actually was your yesterday. OURS just ended and it is 10:25 1/5 Italy time. (4:25 PM US time on 1/5)
What a great team of students we have though. They were early to arrive at the airport...eager and excited. We made it though ticketing with only one glitch. Time invested ....in helping a student see that things can and will work out, because God is in control of this journey. What a trooper, our gal had patience and grace and trust. I see great travel potential in her future. What could have been a huge obstacle, did not throw her. God provided assurance all along the way! We agree that she will definitely have the most interesting DAY 1 journal entries.
Accolades to TSA. For all that we hear in the news stories, we had only a few minor screenings and found, of all things, lotion on a chaperone s hands. (Italian keyboard...missing apostrophe) The flights were pleasant and uneventful, though long. I enjoyed the flight map and got to pray for our London students when we flew over London, remembering that trip fondly and enjoying it when I hear that the students had a great experience. Time invested well. As we flew over Europe I prayed for J'term 2012, wondering what our destination might be. What a wonderful gift to have parents that allow their students to travel like this. How blessed we are that TMA considers it a worthy investment of our educational time.
Time wasted? You could call watching the luggage carousel circle round and round just that. We did come up four bags short, but are hoping for their arrival at our hotel tomorrow. We were SO positive that they were coming on the next flight and kept watching and waiting. Again, though disappointed, the students took it in good stride and looked for the positive....perhaps the airline will purchase a new wardrobe for them...??? Tomorrow may tell! The Rome airport was certainly an adventure in time management.
By the time we hit the charter bus, students wanted to nap. I particularly enjoyed the tents over the seats, so they could snooze in darkness. It was nice to have almost two seats each on the charter to Florence. Power naps came in handy! Night fell at around 5 PM...that was hard for us to imagine. The light rain brought in some colder weather and we heard that it might snow in Florence by morning.
Finally....Hotel Orto de Medici in Florence. It is right down the street from the Accademia and Michelangelos "David." The history of the hotel is so interesting. The short version is that it was once a Medici residence and Lorenzo Medici (Il Magnifico or Lorenzo the Magnificent) lived here. He felt that painters were a dime a dozen but sculptors were rare, so he collected precious sculptures and invited young talented students to live in the residence and study sculpture. He invested his time in the cultural training of young people. Yes, the young lad Michelangelo showed great talent while studying here.....what a neat thing to be able to stay here. Orto de Medici means Gardens of Medici.
We had a wonderful Italian dinner...pizza or pasta? Well, we chose pizza and calzones made the old fashioned hand thrown way. By the time everyone walked back to the hotel they were ready to hit the showers and the beds. Time....we had more than a 24 hour day today, but it was filled with memories. We met our new friends from Cornerstone and our tour guide, Jimmy will bring us some interesting perspectives. Once rested up, we will head out to see "David" tomorrow...and the Duomo....an incredible building project that kicked off the Renaissance. Ponte Vecchio over the River Arno is another site we plan to explore. Tomorrow is the last day of Epiphany, which is celebrated in Italy. (The 12th Day of Christmas)..it will be fun to experience an Italian holiday.
Time to talk to your children....well, technology is not what it is at home, so do not expect an accurate time table for communication. We have seen some texting work, but not consistently. Remember that we are not in the US and we are fairly well spoiled in our culture. For us, everything is instantaneous. For Italians....ah relax a bit.... As we attempt to step back into history, do not be overly concerned if students do not call constantly. We want them to take a break from technology and enjoy the lifetime of investment of so many great artisans. So much of their life today is built on the foundation of these creative individuals. Technology robs us of quality time so often and when they are texting or calling when they could be observing and experiencing....the are the losers.
Time spent with young people who are eager to travel and eager to learn is always time well spent. God tells us that for everything there is a season. I, for one, am so blessed that this special type of travel is part of His plan in my life.
What a great team of students we have though. They were early to arrive at the airport...eager and excited. We made it though ticketing with only one glitch. Time invested ....in helping a student see that things can and will work out, because God is in control of this journey. What a trooper, our gal had patience and grace and trust. I see great travel potential in her future. What could have been a huge obstacle, did not throw her. God provided assurance all along the way! We agree that she will definitely have the most interesting DAY 1 journal entries.
Accolades to TSA. For all that we hear in the news stories, we had only a few minor screenings and found, of all things, lotion on a chaperone s hands. (Italian keyboard...missing apostrophe) The flights were pleasant and uneventful, though long. I enjoyed the flight map and got to pray for our London students when we flew over London, remembering that trip fondly and enjoying it when I hear that the students had a great experience. Time invested well. As we flew over Europe I prayed for J'term 2012, wondering what our destination might be. What a wonderful gift to have parents that allow their students to travel like this. How blessed we are that TMA considers it a worthy investment of our educational time.
Time wasted? You could call watching the luggage carousel circle round and round just that. We did come up four bags short, but are hoping for their arrival at our hotel tomorrow. We were SO positive that they were coming on the next flight and kept watching and waiting. Again, though disappointed, the students took it in good stride and looked for the positive....perhaps the airline will purchase a new wardrobe for them...??? Tomorrow may tell! The Rome airport was certainly an adventure in time management.
By the time we hit the charter bus, students wanted to nap. I particularly enjoyed the tents over the seats, so they could snooze in darkness. It was nice to have almost two seats each on the charter to Florence. Power naps came in handy! Night fell at around 5 PM...that was hard for us to imagine. The light rain brought in some colder weather and we heard that it might snow in Florence by morning.
Finally....Hotel Orto de Medici in Florence. It is right down the street from the Accademia and Michelangelos "David." The history of the hotel is so interesting. The short version is that it was once a Medici residence and Lorenzo Medici (Il Magnifico or Lorenzo the Magnificent) lived here. He felt that painters were a dime a dozen but sculptors were rare, so he collected precious sculptures and invited young talented students to live in the residence and study sculpture. He invested his time in the cultural training of young people. Yes, the young lad Michelangelo showed great talent while studying here.....what a neat thing to be able to stay here. Orto de Medici means Gardens of Medici.
We had a wonderful Italian dinner...pizza or pasta? Well, we chose pizza and calzones made the old fashioned hand thrown way. By the time everyone walked back to the hotel they were ready to hit the showers and the beds. Time....we had more than a 24 hour day today, but it was filled with memories. We met our new friends from Cornerstone and our tour guide, Jimmy will bring us some interesting perspectives. Once rested up, we will head out to see "David" tomorrow...and the Duomo....an incredible building project that kicked off the Renaissance. Ponte Vecchio over the River Arno is another site we plan to explore. Tomorrow is the last day of Epiphany, which is celebrated in Italy. (The 12th Day of Christmas)..it will be fun to experience an Italian holiday.
Time to talk to your children....well, technology is not what it is at home, so do not expect an accurate time table for communication. We have seen some texting work, but not consistently. Remember that we are not in the US and we are fairly well spoiled in our culture. For us, everything is instantaneous. For Italians....ah relax a bit.... As we attempt to step back into history, do not be overly concerned if students do not call constantly. We want them to take a break from technology and enjoy the lifetime of investment of so many great artisans. So much of their life today is built on the foundation of these creative individuals. Technology robs us of quality time so often and when they are texting or calling when they could be observing and experiencing....the are the losers.
Time spent with young people who are eager to travel and eager to learn is always time well spent. God tells us that for everything there is a season. I, for one, am so blessed that this special type of travel is part of His plan in my life.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Baggage
I pack and re-pack. I started a month ago, maybe more. I edit and edit and the zippers still don't seal it all in. My problem is not the clothing, it is the stuff. Stuff you can simply not live without when you travel. A coordinated wardrobe, Cameras, art supplies, journal, ipod, ipad, phone (now this technology thing should be simpler!)....oh and all the cords and connectors to make the technology function. I am not carrying film...I guess that is a plus. Then there is the blankey and neck rest (we are not flying first class)...and snacks (they sell everything on the plane these days) ....and, of course my vitamins and my Bible (don't leave home without it!) ....it will all fit...yes, I am determined!
How did we ever get by with suitcases with no wheels? I imagine that my precious students have never seen a suitcase without wheels. When I think about it, they probably have never seen anything but an e-ticket either. I feel privileged to be exploring the world with these young people....I love their youthful enthusiasm. They keep me feeling young!
Roma ~ the Eternal City. Yes, it is. A lot of what we will see in Rome is old, very very old. I hope the students appreciate craftsmanship when they see the sculptures and the architecture. Those things are not plastic, mass produced. Talent was required and each piece of sculpture was one of a kind. Kind of like our students, right? God created each one as a masterpiece, one of a kind, unique, individual, clay in the potter's hands.....not finished yet! I am thankful for individuality and I embrace it. It is great to begin to see how unique you are 'in Christ'....it just makes the stuff of the world so much less important. So, Roma......show us your craftsmanship, your masterpieces....and the presence of God, who allowed it all to endure.
How did we ever get by with suitcases with no wheels? I imagine that my precious students have never seen a suitcase without wheels. When I think about it, they probably have never seen anything but an e-ticket either. I feel privileged to be exploring the world with these young people....I love their youthful enthusiasm. They keep me feeling young!
Roma ~ the Eternal City. Yes, it is. A lot of what we will see in Rome is old, very very old. I hope the students appreciate craftsmanship when they see the sculptures and the architecture. Those things are not plastic, mass produced. Talent was required and each piece of sculpture was one of a kind. Kind of like our students, right? God created each one as a masterpiece, one of a kind, unique, individual, clay in the potter's hands.....not finished yet! I am thankful for individuality and I embrace it. It is great to begin to see how unique you are 'in Christ'....it just makes the stuff of the world so much less important. So, Roma......show us your craftsmanship, your masterpieces....and the presence of God, who allowed it all to endure.
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